Light support for boats

ABSTRACT

A light support for removably mounting on boats and the like including a base plate to be disposed on the wall of a boat, and foldable clamps to fix the base plate to the wall, the base plate carrying a telescoping mast having a boom carried thereby, the extending end of the boom having a hook or other grasping means fixed thereto for holding a light. The light support can be easily folded and partially disassembled for easy storage.

United States Patent Ellis et al.

1 1 LIGHT SUPPORT FOR BOATS 176] Inventors: James P. Ellis. 2550 Wedgefield CL.

Columbus. Ga. 31906; William G. Ridgeway. 4321 Searcy St. Columbus. Ga. 31907 [221 Filed: Feb. ll. 1974 211 Appl. No.: 441,230

[521 US. Cl. 248/226 A; 248/286 [51] Int. Cl. Fl6m l3/00 I58] Field of Search 248/40, 41. 42. 43. 105. 248/226 A, 286, 291

1 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 646,835 4/1900 Jackson 248/226 A 751.204 2/1904 Rapko 248/122 763.096 6/1904 Eichhorn 315,448 3/1906 Marten 248/122 1.128.046 2/1915 Reyman 248/103 1 June 24, 1975 1554.1 18 9/1925 Moran 248/103 1.818.582 8/1931 Rosacker 248/291 2.398.931 4/ 1946 2.777.657 1/1957 2.985.414 5/1961 3.452.956 7/1969 Reed "248/43 Primary ExaminerWilliam H. Schultz Attorney. Agent. or F irm-Jones. Thomas 8: Askew 1 1 ABSTRACT A light support for removably mounting on boats and the like including a base plate to be disposed on the wall of a boat, and foldable clamps to fix the base plate to the wall. the base plate carrying a telescoping mast having a boom Carried thereby, the extending end of the boom having a hook or other grasping means fixed thereto for holding a light. The light support can be easily folded and partially disassembled for easy storage.

3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures LIGHT SUPPORT FOR BOATS This invention relates to supporting apparatus. and is more particularly concerned with a light support for mounting on boats and the like.

It has become very common practice for fishermen to fish at night with the use ofa source of artificial light. the light being directed into the water to attract fish. With the advent of such practice. there have been numerous forms of light used for night fishing. In general. the lights used for night fishing must be held to direct light into the water. and the most frequent problem with such lights is the means for holding the light properly while providing the necessary flexibility of support so that the means for holding the light can be adapted to various boats and to the fishing techniques of various fishermen Also. due to the variety oflights used by dif ferent fishermen. the light support must be adapted to hold many different forms of lights. including numerous forms of electric lights. kerosene lanterns. and gas or gasoline lanterns.

The apparatus of the present invention overcomes the abovc-mentioned and other difficulties with prior art light supports by providing a selectively attachable base mem her that is adapted to be attached to. or detached from. a great variety of boats. both large and small. The base supports a telescoping mast thereon. the mast having a boom extending therefrom. The movable portion ofthe mast is movable both angularly and axially of the fixed portion of the mast. and the boom is anglable with respect to the mast. Thus. the boom is disposable in numerous positions with respect to the boat on which the device is mounted. The boom is adapted to support a light of virtually any variety. and the possible dispositions of the boom with respect to the boat make possible the use of almost any variety of lamp or lanternv These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following specification when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a light support made in accordance with the present invention. and having an electric light held thereby. a portion of a boat being shown in phantom;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged crosssectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 in FIG. I; and.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the mast and the boom shown in FlG. l.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings and to that embodiment of the invention here chosen by way of illustration. the light support shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings includes a base member 11 having a telescoping mast 12 extending therefrom. and a boom 14 adjustably fixed to the mast I2. A light I5 is here shown as suspended from the boom 14 by an electric power cord 16.

In more detail. the base member ll includes a base plate 18 that is substantially rectangular and adapted to be placed on the upper edge 19 ofthc boat wall 20. The base plate 18 has a pair of clevises 2] and 22 fixed to its underside 24. each of the eleviscs 2| and 22 hingeably carrying clamp members 25 and 26 respecthcly.

The clamp members 25 and 26 have legs 28 and 29 extending substantially at right angles to hinge pin cle meats 30 and 3l. the hinge pin elements passing through the clevises 2| and 22. Again at substantially (ill right angles. there are opposing legs 32 and 34 extend ing substantially parallel to the legs 28 and 29. The opposing legs 32 and 34 are shorter than the legs 28 and 29 and terminate in internally threaded bosses 3S and 36 which threadedly receive screws 38 and 39. The screws 38 and 39 have T-handles 40 and 41 which constitute turning means. While the T-handles are here chosen as illustrative ofthe turning means. it will be ohvious that a crank or other form of handle or the like can equally well be used as the turning means.

The ends of the screws 38 and 39 opposite the handles 40 and 41 have pressure plates 42 and 44 to abut the wall 20 of the boat without damaging the boat or other surface to which the clamps may be fixed.

Since the clamp members 25 and 26 are fixed to the base plate l8 by means ofthe clevis and hinge pin element arrangement. it will be understood that the clamp members 25 and 26 are pivotal with respect to the base plate 18. This pivotal arrangement can be utilized for folding the base member 11 as indicated by the broken line representation in FIG. 2. or for other uses which will be discussed hereinafter.

Substantially centrally of the base plate 18. there is an internally threaded hole 45 which receives the externally threaded. fixed mast member 46. A lock nut 48. here shown as a wing nut can be used to prevent inad vertent motion of the mast member 46 with respect to the base plate 18.

While other arrangements may be used. the threaded engagement between the base plate [8 and the fixed mast member 46 provides a very simple means for releasably fixing the fixed mast member 46 to the base plate 18; and. while other locking means may be used. the wing nut 48 provides a simple locking means that does not require the use of tools for assembly or disasscmbly.

Telescopingly received on the fixed mast member 46. there is a movable mast member 49. The lowermost end of the movable mast member 49 has an annular collar 50 fixed thereto. and a set screw 51 threadcdly engages an appropriate hole in the collar 51 to selectively engage the fixed mast member 46. The set screw 51 is the only means by which the movable mast member 49 is fixed with respect to the fixed mast member 46; therefore. it will be realized that the movable mast member 49 is freely movable both axially and angularly of the fixed mast member 46 if the set screw 5] is loosened. The set screw 5] constitutes a locking means so that. when the set screw 5] is tightened, the movable mast member 49 is fixed with respect to the fixed mast member 46.

Looking at FIGS. l and 3 of the drawings. the boom assembly 14 comprises a boom 52 having a grasping means 54 on the extending end thereof. and a boom support strut 55. The boom 52 has an aperture 56 through its inner end whereby the boom 52 is pivotally connected to the movable mast member 49. The aimable mast member 49 has a bracket 58 at its upper end. the bracket 58 having apertures 59 in opposite sides of the bracket 58. The end of the boom 52 is recei\able by the bracket 58 so that the aperture 56 in the boom 52 is disposed between the apertures 59. and the pintle 69 is passed through the apertures 56 and 59 to provide the pi\otal connection between the boom 52 and the movable mast member 49.

The boom support strut is pivotally attached to the boom 52 by means of a pair of cars 6] on the boom 52, the cars 61 having holes 62 to be aligned with a hole 64 in the strut 55. With the holes 62 and 64 in align ment. at pintle 65 passes through the holes to provide the pivotal motion.

As is best shown in FIG. I of the drawings. the boom 52. the boom support strut S5. and the upper portion of the movable mast member 49 are arranged to form a triangle which gives structural strength to the boom assembly 14. Since it is desirable to vary the angle of the boom 52 with respect to the mast 12, it is necessary only to shorten the appropriate side of the triangle formed in order to change the internal angles ofthe triangle. This shortening of one side is achieved in the present apparatus by attaching the strut 55 to the mast 12 by means of a clamp 66 which is movable along the mast 12 to shorten or lengthen the side of the triangle that is formed by the mast 12.

In more detail. the clamp 66 includes a body 68 having an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the movable mast member 49. This body 68 encircles the mast member 49, and has a pair of projections 69 extending therefrom substantially parallel to each other. The strut 55 has a hole 70 therethrough which is receivable between the projections 69 and alignable with holes 71 in the projections 69. With the strut 55 appropriately located between the projections 69. a screw 72 is passed through the holes 70 and 71, and wing nut 74 is threaded on to the screw 72.

When the boom 52 is to be fixed in place. the nut 74 can be tightened on the screw 72, and the body 68 of the clamp 66 with frictionally engage the mast member 49 and prevent movement of the clamp 66 with respect to the mast member 49. This provides three fixed sides to a triangle. which is structurally stable.

When the angle of the boom 52 is to be changed with respect to the mast 12, the nut 74 should be loosened. allowing the clamp 66 to slide on the mast member 49. If the clamp 66 is moved towards the top of the mast. thereby shortening the mast-side of the triangle. the angle of the boom 52 with respect to the mast 12 will be increased to raise the extending end of the boom 52'. conversely, if the clamp 66 is moved towards the bottom of the mast 12, the angle of the boom 52 with re' speet to the mast 12 will be decreased. thereby lower' ing the extending end of the boom 52. After the desired adjustment has been made. the nut 74 will be tightened to lock the clamp 66 in place.

The grasping means 54 at the extending end of the boom 52 is provided to allow a light to be held on the end of the boom 52. The grasping means 54 as here shown is a conventional apparatus including a hook 7S and a leaf-spring keeper 76 that extends from the base 78 of the hook to resiliently engage the book 75. While this particular conventional apparatus is quite desirable. other forms of grasping means may also be used.

From the foregoing description. the use and operation of the light support of the present invention should be understandable.

The base member 11 is first placed with the base plate [8 on the upper edge 19 of the wall 20 of a boat or the like. and with legs 28 and 29 of clamp members and 26 on one side of the wall 20 and the legs 32 and 34 on the opposite side of the wall 20. The screws are then rotated by means of their handles until the pressure plates 42 and 44 firmly engage the wall 20 to hold the clamps 25 and 26 in place.

(ill

With the fixed mast member 46 threaded into the hole 45 in the base plate 18. and the lock nut 48 tightened. the fisherman can next determine where the light is to be located. By loosening the set screw 52, the mast 12 can be lengthened or shortened by moving the movable mast member 49 axially of the fixed mast member 46; also. the movable mast member 49 can be rotated with respect to the fixed mast member 46 to dispose the boom 52 at any desired angle with respect to the boat. or the wall 20.

Once the location of the mast 12 is as desired. the set screw 51 will be tightened to maintain the adjustment.

After the mast 12 has been fixed in place. the grasping means 54 can be raised or lowered. or simply rendered parallel to the surface of the water. by proper ad justment of the clamp 66 to vary the angular disposition of the boom 52 with respect to the mast [2.

In the event an electric light 15 is used. as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. the cord 16 can be passed through the hook 7S. and the cord [6 can then be wrapped about the boom 52 to maintain control of the cord 16. This wrapping of the cord prevents sagging and possible immersion into the water.

While the clamp members 25 and 26 are herein shown as substantially perpendicular to the base plate 18, it will be seen that. in the event the apparatus is to be installed on a very short wall 20, the clamp members 25 and 26 can be placed at an angle with respect to the base plate 18 to reduce the overall height required for the clamps.

One desirable feature of the apparatus made in accordance with the present invention is the ease with which the device is disassembled for transporting or storage. It will be seen that the set screw 5] can be loosened. and the movable mast member 49 can be entirely removed from the fixed mast member 46; or, if desired. the fixed mast member can be placed almost entirely within the movable mast member 49 to have fewer parts.

The clamp 66 can be loosened. and the clamp moved entirely to the bracket 58 so that the boom 52 and the mast 12 will be almost a straight piece for easier stor age. By releasing the lock nut 48. the mast member 46 can be entirely removed from the base plate 18 so that. again, substantially straight pieces will be produced for easier storage.

It will of course be understood that the particular embodiment of the invention here shown is by way ofillustration only, and numerous changes and modifications may be made. and the full use of equivalents resorted to. without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

I. A fishing light support for mounting on the upper horizontal surface of the bulkhead of a boat or the like comprising a base member for positioning on the upper horizontal surface of a bulkhead. a pair of approxi mately U-shaped clamp members each including approximately parallel leg segmcnts and an interconnecting pin segment. said clamp members each being foldably connected to said base member at its interconnecting pin segment with its leg segments extending from opposite side portions of said base member whereby said clamp members are fold-able between downwardly extending positions with their leg segments positionable on opposite sides of a bulkhead for mounting on the bulkhead and laterally extending posi- 5 tions with their leg segments folded approximately parallcl to said base member for storage purposes a stationary mast relcasably connected at its lower end to and extending normal to said base member. a movable mast member mounted at its lower end on said stationary mast member and rotatable with respect to and axially movable with respect to said stationary mast member. locking means carried at the lower end of said movable mast member and constructed and arranged to lock said movable mast member in a fixed position with respect to said stationary mast member. a boom pivotally connected at one of its ends to the upper end of said movable mast member and normally extending laterally from the upper end of said movable mast member. a boom support strut pivotally connected at one ofits ends to a fixed position on said boom and pivotally connected at the other of its ends to said movable mast member and movable along the length of said movable mast. and means for supporting a light element or the like at the distal end of said boom.

2. A fishing light support according to claim 1. wherein said base member comprises a plate having an opening for receiving said stationary mast. and locking means for selectively locking said fixed mast member into said opening.

3. A fishing light support according to claim 1. and wherein said movable mast member is receivable over said stationary mast member in telescoping relationship, said locking means comprises a collar fixed to said movable mast member and movable therewith, and a set screw threadedly received by said collar and selectively engageable with said stationary mast member. 

1. A fishing light support for mounting on the upper horizontal surface of the bulkhead of a boat or the like comprising a base member for positioning on the upper horizontal surface of a bulkhead, a pair of approximately U-shaped clamp members each including approximately parallel leg segments and an interconnecting pin segment, said clamp members each being foldably connected to said base member at its interconnecting pin segment with its leg segments extending from opposite side portions of said base member whereby said clamp members are foldable between downwardly extending positions with their leg segments positionable on opposite sides of a bulkhead for mounting on the bulkhead and laterally extending positions with their leg segments folded approximately parallel to said base member for storage purposes, a stationary mast releasably connected at its lower end to and extending normal to said base member, a movable mast member mounted at its lower end on said stationary mast member and rotatable with respect to and axially movable with respect to said stationary mast member, locking means carried at the lower end of said movable mast member and constructed and arranged to lock said movable mast member in a fixed position with respect to said stationary mast member, a boom pivotally connected at one of its ends to the upper end of said movable mast member and normally extending laterally from the upper end of said movable mast member, a boom support strut pivotally connected at one of its ends to a fixed position on said boom and pivotally connected at the other of its ends to said movable mast member and movable along the length of said movable mast, and means for supporting a light element or the like at the distal end of said boom.
 2. A fishing light support according to claim 1, wherein said base member comprises a plate having an opening for receiving said stationary mast, and locking means for selectively locking said fixed mast member into said opening.
 3. A fishing light support according to claim 1, and wherein said movable mast member is receivable over said stationary mast member in telescoping relationship, said locking means comprises a collar fixed to said movable mast member and movable therewith, and a set screw threadedly received by said collar and selectively engageable with said stationary mast member. 